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Each year, 12 million people travel to the border between New York and Ontario, Canada, to visit Niagara Falls, according to Niagara Falls Live. The Falls are one of the oldest tourist attractions in the country and the second-largest falls in the world. Seeing the Falls from the Niagara Gorge gives you a full appreciation for their power. Two tour companies offer tours of the Falls, each providing its own level of adventure for those brave enough to get close to the mists.

Maid of the Mist

Since 1846, the Maid of the Mist boats have taken tourists to the base of the thundering Falls, getting close enough for you to get drenched by the spray. Before the tour, you'll receive a souvenir raincoat you can keep. Maid of the Mist has docks on both the American and Canadian sides of the Falls. For Canadian visitors, the ride departs from the north end of Queen Victoria Park near the Rainbow Bridge. American visitors can board the boat at the entrance to the New York State Falls Observation Tower. The ride lasts approximately 30 minutes, and boats leave every 15 minutes. The operating season runs from late April or early May until October 24, weather permitting.

Niagara Falls Whirlpool Wet Jet Ride

The Niagara Falls Whirlpool Wet Jet Ride takes passengers ages 6 and up into the Gorge to see its beauty and experience the rapids created by the Falls. The 1,500-horsepower boats tackle the Class 5 whitewater rapids in Devil’s Hole, taking you on a 360-degree spin through Hamilton Turn, while providing a guided tour of the Gorge when not engaging the rapids. Tours depart from either the Niagara Adventure Center in Lewiston, New York, or the Niagara Glen in Niagara Falls, Ontario. During the shoulder seasons, which run from April until early June and again from September until October, Canadian tours depart from Niagara-on-the-Lake. The Wet Jet tour operates in an open jet boat, so guests get drenched in spite of the included poncho, wet jumpers and wet suit booties. Tours are offered from April until October and run one hour from the Canadian side and 45 minutes from the American side.

Niagara Falls Whirlpool Jet Dome Rides

For the thrill of the Class 5 whitewater rapids near Niagara Falls without the drenching, consider booking a tour on the Niagara Falls Whirlpool Jet Dome. This tour regularly runs from Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours’ Canadian dock, but groups of 15 or more can book a private tour out of Lewiston, New York. The tour takes you through the same rapids and scenery as the Wet Jet Ride, but the Jet Dome boats have pneumatic doors that close when hitting the rapids to keep you dry. Throughout the rest of the tour, the doors stay open. Headsets allow you to hear the narration as you see the wonders of the Niagara Falls region. The Jet Dome tours welcome guests ages 4 years and older and run from April through October.

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About the Author

Nicole Harms has been writing professionally since 2006, specializing in real estate, finance and travel. When she's not writing, she enjoys traveling and has visited several countries, including Israel, Spain, France and Guam. Harms received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Maranatha Baptist Bible College.

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